The National Large Air Tanker (C-130 Hercules) and three heavy lift helicopters are now standing by, ready to support more Australians this high-risk weather season.
Announced as part of the Albanese Government's record $48m annual investment into the National Aerial Firefighting Fleet, a Sikorsky S61N and two Blackhawks have been delivered.
The Large Air Tanker and new helicopters can be reconfigured to support communities in disasters such as floods or cyclones, to deliver heavy drops and support emergency rescue and evacuation.
The Fleet's multi-hazard capability will be deployed to keep Australians safe in the face of increasingly severe and frequent natural disasters.
The C-130 Large Air Tanker has a firebombing capacity of around 13,250 litres.
A Cessna Citation 525 operates as the Large Air Tanker's lead plane showing the pilot where to drop.
Comparatively, the Sikorsky S61 helicopter can carry up to 4,000 litres of water.
The National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) will coordinate the use of the Fleet across Australia and determine where the different aircraft will be based and how they might be relocated throughout the higher-risk weather season - depending on operational needs, and in collaboration with states and territories.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister
"Our national aerial capability is essential to support people in times of need.
"These aircraft help save lives and safeguard our communities and environment during disasters.
"This year, helicopters will supplement the existing fleet and provide the much-needed ability to operate in disasters requiring aerial support, beyond bushfires.
"Combined with the investments we are making in our National Emergency Management Stockpile and national coordination capability we are strengthening our ability to work with states and territories to protect our communities."
Footage of the Blackhawk is available; please attribute footage to Aerotech Helicopters Pty Ltd.
About the National Aerial Firefighting Fleet
The National Aerial Disaster Fleet is managed by the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC), funded jointly by the Australian and state and state and territory governments.
The NAFC provides a sophisticated fleet of more than 160 specialised, highly mobile aircraft that are positioned around the country to protect our communities against bushfires. This is a larger fleet that was in place ahead of the Black Summer Bushfires of 2019/20, which was approximately 135 aircraft.
